Ah, home sweet home. That one place where you can relax on the couch in your comfortable (read: tattered) pajamas, pint of ice cream in one hand, and the television remote in the other. Because homes are supposed to be a cozy cocoon, away from the rush and grind of daily life, most of us take care in designing and decluttering this haven to our delight and satisfaction.
Storage spaces, such as cabinets, shelves, and wardrobes, are essential in organizing our homes. Wardrobes are especially important because it is something we access multiple times daily – the outfit of the day, what shoes, what accessories. While it is certainly most convenient to shop the nearest furniture store for what can match our taste and budget, bespoke wardrobes may be a more appropriate choice for some of us.
Who it’s best for
While an overwhelming majority will certainly prefer bespoke wardrobes, given an unlimited budget, this option is best for a specific subset of people. Bespoke wardrobes, tailored to both an individual and space available, are best in certain instances.
For example, if you have a limited amount of space in your apartment or if the way its interior is constructed leaves a lot of space to be maximized, bespoke wardrobes are a great choice. Also, if you have a lot of clothes, shoes, jewelry, and other articles that don’t fit your current storage options or are not displayed and organized as you would have wanted, then bespoke wardrobes might just be for you.
Pros and cons
Since bespoke wardrobes are tailored for your needs (and wants!), they offer several advantages. First, they can be completely customized as to your liking and budget. You have full control over colors, heights, the design of interior drawers, shelves, and racks, types of doors, and finish. Second, you have the privilege of working with an experienced designer who can advise you accordingly. Third, no space is wasted! Wardrobes customized to your living space can be made to fill the space from the floor to the ceilings, can be adjusted for sloping heights and surfaces, and can be built around corner nooks and crannies. Finally, bespoke wardrobes add value to your property and create a sense of luxury and elegance in your home.
However, there are a few disadvantages to ordering bespoke wardrobes. A primary issue may be cost. Customizing your wardrobe is at least twice as expensive as purchasing ready-made options. This is why it is important to take your budget into consideration when speaking with your designer, so as to prevent unpleasant financial surprises later on. A second disadvantage is that although bespoke wardrobes offer maximum flexibility initially, it may not be as adaptable to changes in your life. For instance, should you have to move or relocate, you cannot take your bespoke wardrobe with you. Other circumstances, such as getting married, having children, or renovating, may require you to make necessary changes or add-ons to your wardrobe. Hence, it is a good idea to invest in bespoke wardrobes only when you’re certain you can stay in that home for an extended period of time. Also, it is best to keep the future in mind even as you draw up plans for your current wardrobe.
Considerations
There are several factors you need to consider before making a decision on bespoke wardrobes and during its design and construction.
1. Future proofing – To keep things simple, opt for a furniture company that can do conceptualization, design, and construction. This will decrease your stress and will avoid costly mistakes. Part of future proofing also entails selecting details that will be suitable for your taste and plans in the future years.
2. Area measurements – While a bespoke wardrobe can maximize the space you have, it cannot magically create more space. That said, it is important to accurately measure the ceiling height, the floor level, and other permanent wall fixtures. It is also best to have your bespoke wardrobe on a hard floor instead of a carpeted surface, as the latter tends to sink over time.
3. Doors – Wardrobes usually have either swing doors or sliding doors. Swing doors are fixed on a hinge and requires a bigger space for opening, but they let you visualize the entirety of your glorious collection and usually last longer. Meanwhile, sliding doors are perfect for more compact spaces, but these are usually more expensive, do not allow for complete visibility, and may require more maintenance. Alternatively, you can opt for an open wardrobe or a section thereof.
4. Wardrobe contents – Who will be using the wardrobe? What will be stored in it? These are important to decide for optimal design and construction. Wanting to store shoes would entail allocating several low racks. Having a lot of shirts, coats and dresses would require several hanging rails of various lengths. If there is more than one person using the wardrobe, it can also be compartmentalized accordingly.
5. Interior design – Ideally, a bespoke wardrobe will be designed prior to your selection of other pieces, both furniture and decor, in the room it contains. This way, the room will come together perfectly. Certain design elements can also be implemented for a specific purpose. For example, mirrors can be installed on doors to make a room appear larger.
6. Ergonomics – The items you store in your wardrobe should be accessible to you. Thus, the compartments shouldn’t be too deep and difficult to reach. Open shelves can be at eye level, while drawers can be lower; this type of plan will reduce bending down in order to reach.
7. Materials and lighting – While most wardrobes are made from plywood, the smell from the glue used to put pieces together may be off-putting. Thankfully, materials that absorb odor can be used, although this may take some time. An alternative for sensitive noses and for children’s rooms is melamine chipboard, which has a less offensive smell. Finally, you may need to consider adding lighting, particularly if the wardrobe is in a dark or dim location. LED lights emit less heat, and you can opt for warmer or cooler lighting depending on the wardrobe colors and finish that you’ve chosen.
Conclusion
Investing in a bespoke wardrobe is a big financial and aesthetic decision, especially if you’re considering utilizing it for multiple rooms. Hopefully, with this detailed primer, you’re one step closer to owning the home of your dreams.
